Taking Hydrocodone But Liver Damage Is Side Effect. Suggest Dosage?

Posted on Thu, 12 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 Answered on

Wed, 2 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter (age 24) is taking "hydrocodone 5-325" the bottle has a side affects note that this medication can cause Liver Damage. What is an approximate dosing that would exacerbate the problems with this drug. Is a dosing interval of 4-hrs safe? and for what duration?

Answered by Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take it as prescribed by your doctor.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX

The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Anything more than this can cause serious liver damage.

The adverse effects of hydrocodone may be more likely and more severe in patients with liver disease.

Depending on the severity of the injury, it can be taken at at interval of 4-6 hours.

Generally, the duration of treatment for an injury would be 3-5 days.

Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily to help prevent constipation while you are taking hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

Hope I have addressed your query. Happy to help further

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar